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Taunton is a city of about 59,000 people on the Taunton River in southeastern Massachusetts, between Boston and Providence. Founded in 1637, it is one of the oldest towns in the country, and in 1774 its residents raised one of the first Liberty flags in protest of British rule. The city grew in the 1800s on silverware, stoves and locomotives.
Taunton is called the "Silver City" for the many silver companies once based here, including Reed and Barton. Taunton Green, the historic town common, is surrounded by grand civic buildings such as the domed Bristol County Superior Courthouse, and every December it is famous for its spectacular holiday light display.
The Old Colony History Museum covers the region's history in an 1852 Greek Revival building, and the Taunton Public Library is a handsome Classical Revival building. The Taunton River offers paddling and riverside walks, and Massasoit State Park has ponds and camping on the edge of the city.
The historic town green at the center of Taunton, where a Liberty and Union flag was raised in 1774, one of the first acts of defiance in the colonies. Today it has monuments, paths and benches surrounded by old civic buildings. Each December it becomes the heart of the city's famous holiday lights display.
A grand granite Beaux-Arts courthouse from 1894 facing Court Street near the Taunton Green, with a domed roof and columned entrance, designed by Frank Irving Cooper. It is still a working courthouse. Admire the exterior from the street; inside access is limited to court business and security screening.
A handsome 1903 library building on Pleasant Street funded in part by Andrew Carnegie, with a classical facade, reading rooms and murals. It is an active public library open to visitors, with local history materials. Step inside to see the main hall, and check the hours as they vary on weekends.
A museum run by the Old Colony Historical Society in an 1852 Greek Revival building on Church Green, with exhibits on Taunton's past, including colonial artifacts, the city's silver and stove industries, firefighting gear and Native American history. It also has a research library. Check hours before visiting.
A state park in East Taunton with several ponds, woodland trails for hiking and mountain biking, a campground and a boat launch for canoes and kayaks on Lake Rico. It is a quiet place for a walk among pines and cranberry bog remnants. Some trails are sandy, so bring good shoes and bug spray.
A large city park on the shores of Lake Sabbatia with a public beach, picnic areas, playground, walking paths and a boat ramp. It is a favorite summer spot for swimming and fishing in Taunton. Lifeguards are on duty in summer season; arrive early on hot weekends as parking can be limited.
A long lake in the north of Taunton fed by the Mill River, used for boating, fishing and kayaking, with Morton Park and its beach on the western shore. Much of the shore is lined with homes, so the park is the main public access. The lake is calm and good for beginner paddlers; bring your own kayak.
A slow, winding river that flows through the city on its way to Mount Hope Bay, designated a National Wild and Scenic River for its natural and historic value. It is good for canoeing and kayaking, with launches in and near Taunton. Look for herons and ospreys, and check tides near the lower section.
Taunton is known as the Christmas City, and each December the Taunton Green is lit with thousands of lights and decorated displays. The season begins with a lighting ceremony and a parade, and the lights stay on through the holidays. Visit after dark on a weekday evening to avoid the biggest crowds.
An enclosed shopping mall named after Taunton's nickname as the Silver City, from its long history of silverware makers. It has department stores, clothing shops, a food court and services. It is a convenient stop for errands and indoor time on rainy days, with plenty of free parking around it.
The city center around the Taunton Green, with historic brick and stone buildings, local restaurants, cafes and small shops along Main Street and Broadway. It is easy to explore on foot and holds markets and holiday events. Parking is available in municipal lots near the green; meters apply on weekdays.
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